anastrozole (Arimidex)

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

GENERIC NAME: anastrozole

BRAND NAME: Arimidex

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, an
anti-cancer medication use for the adjuvant or initial treatment of breast
cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen causes or increases growth of certain
breast cancers. Anastrozole works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is
involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size
or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women. The FDA approved brand
name anastrozole (Arimidex) in 1995.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Anastrozole is prescribed for hormone receptor-positive,
early breast cancer in
postmenopausal women as adjuvant treatment ( treatment
following surgery with or without radiation ). Anastrozole is prescribed as a
first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor unknown,
locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Anastrozole is also prescribed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in
postmenopausal women with disease progression following treatment with tamoxifen
(Nolvadex, Soltamox).